Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Name: Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 box chocolate cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Published: September 18, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this cake in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a deliciously sweet and tart experience.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee.
Visually Stunning: The upside-down presentation showcases the beautiful cherry layer, making it impressive on any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Baking Pan (9×13 inches)
Measuring Cups
Whisk or Electric Mixer
Rubber Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix all your ingredients thoroughly without spills.
Baking Pan: A non-stick pan ensures easy release of the cake after baking.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture in your cake.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: These tools help create a smooth batter quickly, saving time and effort.

Ingredients

For this delightful Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Topping

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar

For the Cake Batter

1 box chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare for the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the brown sugar layer.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix well until you achieve a smooth batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cherry pie filling in an even layer.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Invert

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then:
1. Place a large serving platter over your baking pan.
2. Carefully invert the cake onto the platter.
Serve warm or at room temperature for best results.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

This delicious Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want a simple presentation or something a bit more extravagant, these suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts perfectly into the cake.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

Add a few fresh cherries or berries on top of each slice for added color and freshness that complements the cake.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant touch that enhances the visual appeal.

Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

Drizzle some chocolate sauce over each slice for those who can’t get enough chocolate. This extra layer will enhance the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Achieving the perfect Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
Grease the Pan Well: Ensure your baking pan is well-greased to prevent sticking, especially when inverting the cake.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when making the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than a light cake.
Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is finished baking.
Cool Before Inverting: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate. This helps set the topping.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the richness of the cake.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the sweet chocolate.
Caramel Sauce
Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice offers a sweet, buttery flavor that complements chocolate well.
Chocolate Mousse
For true chocolate lovers, serving a small portion of rich chocolate mousse alongside adds depth to your dessert experience.
Coffee or Espresso
A cup of coffee or espresso brings out the flavors of chocolate and cherry perfectly while providing a nice balance.
Nuts and Seeds Mix
A crunchy mix of nuts or seeds can add texture and contrast against the soft cake, enhancing each bite!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake turn out perfectly.

Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always ensure your oven is at the right temperature before placing the cake in.
Not Greasing the Pan: Forgetting to grease your pan can cause the cake to stick. Use butter or cooking spray to prepare your pan properly.
Incorrect Mixing: Overmixing or undermixing the batter can affect texture. Mix until just combined for a fluffy cake.
Ignoring Bake Time: Baking for too long can dry out your cake. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick starting at 35 minutes.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and water may affect the batter’s consistency. Let them sit at room temperature for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for best results.
Freeze for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Warm individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just pit and slice them, then toss with a bit of sugar before layering them in the pan.

How do I make my Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake more chocolatey?

Consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or using dark chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor.

What should I serve with Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, enhancing its sweetness and flavor.

Can I customize the fruit topping?

Absolutely! You can substitute cherries with other fruits like peaches or blueberries, making it versatile for any season.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Upside Down Cake is not only delicious but also easy to customize. Whether you’re using seasonal fruits or adding extra chocolate, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dessert!

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